Windows 11 FAQ

Welcome to the Windows 11 FAQ page. On this page, we describe some of the Frequently asked questions about Microsoft’s newest Operating System.

As Microsoft rolls out its newest Operating System, there are inevitably questions about what this is, how it will be supported, and what that means for you as a consumer. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Windows 11.


What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the name of the next major revision to Windows 10, different enough that it justified a new brand name and not just another feature update. Microsoft launched Windows 11 on June 24.

When will Windows 11 be announced?

Microsoft announced Windows 11 at an event on June 24, at 11 a.m. ET (get it?).

When will I be able to get Windows 11?

Windows 11 will be made available to Windows Insiders sometime on the week of June 28, then made available to the public at large this fall, or closer to holiday 2021. We know that the first Windows 11 PCs will ship this fall, but Windows 10-to-Windows 11 upgrades will have to wait until 2022, according to Microsoft. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to opt out of Windows 11—the answer is, surprisingly, yes. Microsoft appears to be placing some fairly substantial hardware requirements on Windows 11, and if your PC doesn’t meet them, you won’t be allowed to upgrade. (Don’t worry, you can stay on Windows 10 until Microsoft retires it in 2025.)

How do I get Windows 11?

Windows 11 is being released as a beta, part of the Windows Insider program. You’ll need to be part of the Windows Insider program (here’s how to become a Windows Insider), then use Windows Update to download the beta from the Dev Channel. Confused? Here’s how to get Windows 11.

Will Windows 11 be free?

Some of you may be wondering what Windows 11 will cost. We’d expect the price for a standalone version of the operating system to be around the current price of Windows 10: $110 for Windows 11 Home, and $150 for Windows 11 Pro. (Here’s how to get Windows 10 for even cheaper.) But Microsoft says that Windows 11 will be a free upgrade to Windows 10. Remember, Microsoft likes to hook people by lowering the price of the operating system, and then trying to sell them on services, like Microsoft 365 or the Xbox Game Pass.

Will there be different versions of Windows 11?

Microsoft refers to Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro as different editions of Windows 10, and it’s likely that we’ll see a Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro, too. (Here are five reasons to get Windows 10 Pro.) At one time, we thought Microsoft might tap the powers of virtualization to make Windows 10 Pro a true enthusiast operating system. So far, it hasn’t happened. Microsoft will also release a Windows 11 version of Windows 10 S, called Windows 11 Home in S Mode.


What’s new for Windows 11?

Thanks to our time trying a leaked version of Windows 11, we’ve already seen some major changes to Windows 11 from Windows 10. It starts with a new user interface applied over the top of what still looks a lot like Windows 10. There’s a more compact, centered Taskbar and Start Menu. We also noticed updated icon designs and other visual tweaks.

What does Windows 11 mean for Windows 10?

Microsoft has always said that it plans to end support for Windows 10 in 2025, and that’s still the case. If Microsoft sees Windows 11 as a replacement for Windows 10, and a free one, we’d expect your PC will upgrade to Windows 11 automatically, whenever Microsoft is ready to deploy the new operating system. What about that Microsoft pledge that Windows 10 would be the “last Windows?” As it turns out, that wasn’t exactly the case. We still believe, however, that Microsoft will keep updating and patching Windows, whatever it’s called. Windows is just Windows.

What are Windows’s 11 system requirements?

Microsoft periodically updates the minimum hardware requirements for its operating system. (Here are the system requirements for Windows 10, which include a 1GHz CPU or better, 2GB of RAM, and so on.) Windows 11’s hardware requirements are the new operating system’s most dramatic change. You’ll need at least an 8th-gen Intel Core CPU or Ryzen 2000, and older processors are out of luck. Microsoft is even saying no to its older Surface devices. Windows 11 also requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), specifically a TPM 2.0 module that’s typically integrated into the CPU. Here’s why Windows 11 requires a TPM, according to Microsoft.

What Are System/Hardware Requirements for Windows 11

Processor: 1Ghz or faster with minimum 2 cores
System architecture: 64-bit Display: 720p (1280×720 px) with a screen size of minimum 9-inch
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.x
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB
Firmware: Secure Boot enabled UEFI
Trusted Platform Module: Version 2.0
However, Microsoft will temporarily allow Insider Preview users to install Windows 11 even if their systems do not meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Will I be able to get Windows 11 if my PC doesn’t qualify?

In the short term, yes. You can join the Windows Insider program, select the Dev Channel, and Microsoft may waive the hardware requirements during the Windows 11 preview program. But once Windows 11 releases to general availability, Microsoft has said that PCs that don’t meet the hardware requirements will be forced to run Windows 10, instead.

Are there any new apps for Windows 11?

So far, we haven’t seen any, but Microsoft may add more later.

Will there be a Windows 11 Mobile?

Sadly, almost certainly not.

What’s the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC.

When can I buy a PC that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed?

PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available before the end of 2021.

Will my accessories work with Windows 11?

If your accessories worked with Windows 10 and meet the Windows 11 requirements, they should work with Windows 11. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

I want to buy a PC now, will I be able to install Windows 11 later?

Most Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. For the PC to be able to upgrade to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device. You can refer to the ASUS website for a list of tested models.

When will I be able to upgrade to Windows 11 on my Windows 10 device?

If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, download and run the PC Health Check app. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings > Windows Updates. You can refer to the ASUS website for a list of tested models.

How do I know if my current Windows 10 PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11?

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, download and run the PC Health Check app. You can refer to the ASUS website for a list of tested models.

What if my PC doesn’t meet the minimum hardware specifications? Can I stay on Windows 10?

Yes! Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 through October 14, 2025.

How will I know when the upgrade is available for my Windows 10 PC?

Upgrades to Windows 11 will begin to roll out late in 2021 and continue into 2022. During this time, vendors will be doing some behind-the-scenes testing and validating for your specific PC. Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible. You can check by going to Settings > Windows Update.

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

It’s free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings > Windows Update.

What is the difference between upgrade and update?

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

How long will the free upgrade offer last?

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability.

Can I continue to use Windows 10?

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.

Does Windows 11 take up more space on my PC than Windows 10?

No. Windows 11 and Windows 10 require approximately the same amount of disk space. During the upgrade process, however, extra space is required. Windows will clean up this extra disk space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete.

Is Windows 11 a Windows 10 replacement?

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows. However, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025.

If I upgrade to Windows 11, what will happen to my files?

By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder Backup.

Can I go back to Windows 10 after I upgrade if I don’t like Windows 11?

Yes. After you have installed the Windows 11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows 10.

How long does it take to install Windows 11?

Downloading and installing Windows 11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while you’re downloading Windows 11 and then you have the option to schedule the install to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC.

Can I upgrade my Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 if I’m running S mode?

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode.

Can a really old PC run Windows 11?

You can use the PC Health Check app to determine if your device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. Many PCs that are less than four years old will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. They must be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10?

Currently, Windows 11 is available only to people who are part of the Dev Channel of the Windows Insiders Program. You can enroll in the program and upgrade to Windows 11 in only a few easy steps. If you need help, follow our tutorial on how to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10.

Does Upgrading to Windows 11 Erase Data?

No, if you upgrade to Windows 11, nothing will be erased. All your files, programs, and even the activation key will remain intact.

Can I Go Back to Windows 10 If I Don’t Like Windows 11?

Yes, if you don’t like Windows 11 and want to roll back to Windows 10 with all your files and programs intact, then you can do so. However, you must perform this action within 10 days of moving to Windows 11. Post the 10-day period, you need to clean install Windows 10 manually. Also, make sure to back up all your files as a clean install will erase files from the C drive. We are currently working on a detailed guide explaining how to roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11. We will update this article with a link to the guide very soon.

How to Check If My Computer Has TPM?

You can simply use the Windows keyboard shortcut “Windows +R” and run tpm.msc to find if TPM is available on your PC or not. For detailed steps, follow our guide on how to check and enable the TPM chip on Windows PC.

Why is TPM Mandatory for Windows 11?

TPM is a hardware security chip that stores all of your passwords, private credentials, encryption keys, and more. Due to the increased risk of attacks on PC’s motherboards, Microsoft wants to guard these critical and private keys against malicious hackers. To learn about this topic in detail, head over to our explainer on what is TPM and why it is essential for Windows 11.

What CPUs Are Compatible with Windows 11?

Currently, Windows 11 is compatible only with 8th-Gen Intel and above processors and AMD Ryzen 2500 or later processors. You can find the complete list of Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon CPUs compatible with Windows 11 here. That said, after users raged against Microsoft for creating an artificial CPU limitation, the company stated that it would consider adding support for 7th-Gen Intel and 1st-Gen Ryzen processors. It will test how its next-gen desktop OS performs on PCs with unsupported processors via the Insider program.

What Are the Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11?

The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are a 64-bit processor, 1 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster CPU, 4GB of RAM, TPM chip, 720p display, and more. You can go through the complete list of official hardware requirements for running Windows 11.

What if My PC Doesn’t Meet Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows 11?

If your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 11, you can continue using Windows 10 and will receive updates until 14 October 2025.

What Happens When Windows 10 Reaches End-of-Life?

As I have mentioned above, Windows 10 will reach end-of-life in 2025. After that, you will still be able to use your computer, but you will not get new features or quality updates. Also, your Windows 10 PC will not get many security updates after 2025, leaving you more exposed to malicious attacks and viruses. You will have to pay for the extended support, as is happening with Windows 7 extended security updates, if you want to continue using your Windows 10 computer.

When Will the Support for Windows 11 End?

If we go by earlier trends, it seems like Windows 11 will be supported for the next 10 years – until 2031. For the first 5-6 years, there will be features and quality updates, and for the last four years, you are likely to receive support and service updates. For enterprise users running the LTSC edition, the Windows 11 end-of-Life date will be certainly longer, just like Windows 10, which ends its support for business users in 2029.

How Long Will the Free Upgrade to Windows 11 Offer Last?

It has not been announced yet, but generally, the window to free upgrade lasts for one year since the beginning of General Availability (GA). So if the Windows 11 GA starts in October this year, the offer will last till October 2022. Keep in mind, this offer window is at Microsoft’s discretion, and they generally extend the upgrade window, as has happened before.

Can We Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU & Without TPM?

Officially, you can’t install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware – without TPM or an incompatible CPU. However, there are several workarounds that you can try. You will need to make some changes to the Registry, and you will be good to go. By the way, if you are clean installing Windows 11, Microsoft does not even check the CPU generation, meaning it’s an artificial limit. Currently, only TPM and Secure Boot are checked during a clean install.

How do I Download Windows 11 ISO Image?

Microsoft has officially stated that they will not be releasing ISOs of early Windows 11 preview builds. We need to wait for the beta channel release, which might happen in July, to access the ISO image. Keep a close eye on this download page for the Windows 11 ISO image. Make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.

How do I Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 11?

Sadly, Windows 7 users won’t get the free upgrade to Windows 11. However, you can move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with the free Media Creation Tool. If you want to activate your Windows 10 PC after installation, you can get Windows 10 key for cheap using the linked guide.

What All Features Were Removed from Windows 11?

Some of the major features removed from Windows 11 are Internet Explorer, Classic Start Menu, Live Tiles, Windows Timeline, and more. Most importantly, the next-gen desktop OS has removed the ability to resize the taskbar and move it to the top or sides. Now, that’s a disappointing change but worry not as we have you covered. Here’s an in-depth guide that you can use to customize the taskbar in Windows 11.

When is Android App Support Coming to Windows 11?

Microsoft has not confirmed the date, but Android app support for Windows 11 will most likely arrive in the Windows Insiders Dev channel in the latter half of July. To learn more about how Microsoft intends to run Android apps on Windows 11, check out our in-depth explainer on Project Latte.

Can We Sideload Android APKs on Windows 11?

According to a Microsoft engineer, the answer is yes. Apart from installing your favorite Android apps from the Amazon App Store, you will be able to sideload Android APKs on your Windows 11 computer.

When Will the Windows 11 Stable Update Release to the General Public?

Currently, Windows 11 is going through the testing phase, which will last for the next four months. According to some leaks, the Windows 11 stable update is supposed to go live on October 20, 2021. Having said that, the stable update won’t be immediately available to all users. It will be a phased rollout, and Microsoft has said that the transition will continue till 2022. For detailed answers, check out our explainer on when will my PC get Windows 11 update.

When Will Windows 11 Laptops Arrive in the Market?

According to Microsoft, the first batch of Windows 11 laptops and desktops will arrive in the market during the holiday season this year.

Can I Upgrade My PC to Windows 11 If It Runs Windows 10 in S Mode?

Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Home Edition in S mode. However, you must meet the minimum hardware requirements that I have mentioned above.

How Many GB is Windows 11?

For Windows 11 Home Edition, it’s around 2.8GB. For Windows 11 Pro and other editions, the ISO size is around 4.6GB.

Can You Move the Taskbar on Windows 11?

Windows 11 does not offer any user-facing option to change the placement of the new centered Taskbar in Windows 11. However, using some Registry tweaks you can move the Taskbar in Windows 11 easily. Just follow our guide on how to customize the Taskbar on Windows 11.

Can I Switch Back to Classic Start Menu with Live Tiles Support on Windows 11?

Yes, you can get the classic Start Menu back on Windows 11 by changing a few Registry values. I would suggest you follow our tutorial on how to switch back to Windows 10 Start Menu on Windows 11.

What Will Be Price of Windows 11 License

It is still not confirmed whether Microsoft will continue using the same price structure as Windows 10 or not. For your information, Windows 10’s Home edition costs around $139 whereas Pro edition is priced at $200. Check out the full pricing on the official website.

Is Windows 11 Better Than Windows 10

It is too early to say whether Windows 11 is better than Windows 10 or not since the stable version is yet to hit the market. Several major and minor feature updates over the past 5-6 years have polished Windows 10. Even if Windows 11 releases on 24 June, it might take some time to get rid of major bugs. Based on the leaked ISO, the overhaul is minor and consists of UI enhancements here and there. It is yet to be seen whether Microsoft has planned any major updates or features for Windows 11 making it worth the trouble.

What Happens if Windows 10 Is Out of Date

Microsoft will continue its support for Windows 10 till 24 October 2025. Once the deadline comes to pass, you won’t get any security patches or any other update from Microsoft for Windows 10. However, you may continue using Windows 10 at your own risk just like numerous people are still using Windows 7 even after Microsoft ended official support last year.

Is It Worth Upgrading to Windows 11

Windows 11 has got several new features and a slightly new user interface. Talking about the features, you can find new themes/wallpapers, redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar, an in-built Windows Terminal, and so on. If you think these new options are more than enough for you, you should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It will be a major upgrade for Windows 7/8/8.1 users because Windows 10 itself is vastly different and comes feature-packed.

Will Windows 10X Replace Windows 11

Although Windows 11 looks a lot like Windows 10X, Microsoft canceled it just last month. Windows 10X was intended as a lightweight OS for dual-screen devices while Windows 8.1/10/11 is for regular work PCs. Microsoft seems to have had a change of heart.

Can I Update to Windows 11 From Windows Settings

Update: Yes, you can check for the update from Windows 10 Settings panel. Just press Windows+I to open Windows Settings, go to Update & Security > Windows Update, click the Check for updates button to find out if the update is available for you or not. However, your PC must meet the hardware or system requirements to get the update. You may not be able to update to Windows 11 using Windows Settings. You might have to use the Windows Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool to get Windows 11. The reason being this is not a regular upgrade but an OS version that requires installation instead.

How Long Will It Take to Install Windows 11

It will take more time than a regular feature update. It entirely depends on your internet connection speed. It is recommended to opt for a fast internet connection if you want to finish everything quickly.

Is It Possible to Go Back to Windows 10 After Upgrading?

Yes, you can downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 within 10 days. After that, you will have to perform a clean reinstallation of Windows 10. In that case, you have to back up your data before downgrading.